Assistant Professor in Experimental Neutral Atom Quantum Computing

Are you a driven experimental physicist ready to lead in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing? As part of the Irène Curie Program, we invite talented female researchers to join TU/e’s Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) as an Assistant Professor in neutral atom quantum computing. This is your opportunity to co-develop cutting-edge Rydberg quantum computing platforms, establish your own research line, and grow within a supportive, inclusive academic environment that champions female leadership in science. 

The position

As an Assistant Professor in the Coherence and Quantum Technology (CQT) group, you will develop your own research line in experimental neutral atom quantum computing. You will co-lead the development of two full-stack quantum platforms, Ruby (rubidium-based) and Sapphire (strontium-based), and contribute to the scientific direction of the group. Your work will explore next-generation hardware solutions such as photonic integration, scalable architectures, and light–matter interfaces.

You are encouraged to develop new research directions within atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, aligned with your expertise in areas such as chip-scale quantum optics, ultracold atoms, or photonic device design and fabrication. 

You will be embedded in the CQT group, part of the Quantum and Optics & Photonics domains of APSE. The group operates state-of-the-art laboratories in the Qubit building and collaborates closely with national and European initiatives including Quantum Delta NL, EuRyQa, and EFEQT. Your work will contribute to the KAT-1 program and be part of the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven (QT/e) and the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI). 

CQT combines fundamental and applied research in both theoretical and experimental domains. Our group attracts excellent students and operates state-of-the-art laboratories in the Qubit building, where our neutral atom platforms are developed and maintained by a collaborative team of students, postdocs, engineers, and PIs. 

This position is designed to strengthen TU/e’s leadership in quantum computing and atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. You will contribute to the department’s educational mission, particularly within the Quantum Master Track and challenge-based learning initiatives. 

You will have the opportunity to shape your own scientific agenda while contributing to a transformative field. You will join an open and inclusive academic environment that values collegial support, personal development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

You will be encouraged and supported to grow your career through high-quality research, teaching, mentoring, and engagement with academic and industrial partners. You will be active in teaching the engineers of the future, both at bachelor and master level, within APSE and possibly beyond. As a principal investigator (PI), you will build up a research group that fits well with the social and welcoming atmosphere of CQT. You share our commitment to mentoring a diverse and inclusive team of PhD students and postdocs, working at the cutting edge of science and technology. 

The department of Applied Physics and Science Education 

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) at TU/e conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in Optics & Photonics, Plasma & Flow, Materials, and Quantum. We are a collaborative, ambitious, and inclusive community, driving innovation in science and technology to address global challenges. Located in the heart of the Brainport region, APSE is a key academic partner in shaping the future of high-tech industry and education. 

Job Requirements  

• PhD in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, with postdoctoral experience. 
• Strong experimental background in areas such as quantum optics, ultracold atoms, quantum gases, lasers, or quantum hardware. Prior knowledge and experience with e.g. light-matter interfaces, chip-scale quantum optics or design and fabrication of photonic devices would be relevant. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research, evidenced by publications and a clear academic vision. 
• Strong collaborative and leadership skills. 
• You have the communicative and social skills to take on independent teaching and mentoring tasks, with a willingness to develop excellent teaching practices. 
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken). 

Conditions of Employment  

We offer a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station and city center. In addition, we offer you: 

• A development track with the prospect of becoming Associate Professor.
• An immediate tenured position for qualified candidates.
• A tailor-made offer to kickstart your career including the access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. 
• Female Assistant Professors starting within our department are entitled to join the Irene Curie Program.
• A gross monthly salary of min. € 4728,- and max. € 7297,- (scale 11 or scale 12 based on relevant experience and/or seniority) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8%, plus a year-end allowance of 8,3% of the annual salary. 
• Free access to high-quality training programs for academic leadership, the university teaching qualification program, research and valorization competences, and a dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment. 
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as the partner career support program to support accompanying partners, an international spouse program and sports facilities. 
• The opportunity to focus your career on research, teaching, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions within the strategic objectives of the university. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as is - depending on your personal situation - a tax compensation scheme (the expat scheme). 
• Possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte. 

Information and application  

About us  

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.   

We believe that diversity broadens our research scope and enhances the quality of our education. Our Irène Curie Program aims to advance talented female researchers, to thrive and be successful in top positions in science, contributing to the societal goal of promoting equal opportunities. The program addresses the aspirations and needs of women in industry, academia, and research institutes to support their ambition to become a professor at our university.  

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a professor at TU/e? Please view the video.  

Information  

Would you like to know more about the CQT research group, please contact Rianne Lous, r.s.lous[at]tue.nl or Servaas Kokkelmans, s.kokkelmans@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, recruiter, t.slegers@tue.nl / +31614835214. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application 

This vacancy is part of the Irène Curie Fellowship and is for the first six months only open to female candidates. 

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a: 

• Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your motivation and qualifications for the position. 
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. 
• Research statement (1-2 pages) describing your research interests and plans and its connections with the current research within CQT 
• Teaching statement (1-2 pages) describing your teaching vision, experience and goals 

We look forward to your application. The closing date for applications is November 9th, 2025. The timeline for the selection process is as follows: 

November 9: Application deadline. 
November 10-21: Reviewing applications / candidate selection. 
November 21-28: Invitations for the online interviews. 
December 1-12: Online interviews with the selection committee. 
December 15-23: Invitations for the Candidates’ Days on campus.  
February 2026: Candidates’ Day on campus incl. final presentation.